I'm loading 168gr Sierra match kings on top of varget for my Remington 700 sps tactical with 20" heavy barrel. Is anyone else running this combination and if so, how many grains of varget are you using?

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"...... to disarm the people - that was the best and most effectual way to enslave them." - George Mason -

In the future, take a look at he Hornaday A-max (168). Little cheaper than the SMK and I have had similar results.

I agree with this advice. AMAx's used to be available on sale for a significant discount to SMK's. The gap seems to have closed a good bit lately, but they are still less. My best groups have been with AMAX's, although the SMK's ae not far behind.

I load 45grs Varget behind a 168gr Berger VLD in my Remington 700 SPS, it works very well for me. Like others have said, work your way up, invest in a chronograph, it really answers a million questions.

My SPS Varmint 26" barrel loves 44.2-44.4 gr Varget seated 0.02 off the lands. Best 5 shot group with this load was .306, and shoots great out to 600 yrds. I haven't taken it out further than that as I use my 178gr AMax loads for 700-1000 yrd shots.

Unless you shoot past 300 yds on a regular basis, you don't need to load very hot. My best Varget load for my SPS Tactical 1/12 twist was 42.5gr with the Sierra seated at 2.885. The throat on that rifle is super deep, lots of free bore in there. 5 shot groups about 1/2" - 5/8" at 100 with a bag or rest just in front of the floor plate and a protektor rear bag.